Do you need a referral for testicle removal surgery?

A primary care doctor, urologist, oncologist or another treating specialist can direct you to the surgical team. Contact the intended hospital before booking to confirm whether it accepts self-referrals and which documents it requires.

Orchidectomy, also called orchiectomy, is performed by a urology team. A referral transfers the relevant clinical question and available test results so the surgeon can assess why surgery is being considered, which operation may be appropriate and whether more evaluation is needed. A referral is not the same as consent or confirmation that an operation will proceed.

Start with the clinician who identified the testicular concern or manages the underlying condition. Ask them to include examination findings, imaging reports, blood-test results, current medicines, allergies and relevant medical history. If you approach a hospital directly, ask which specialty to book, whether a referral letter is mandatory and whether images must be supplied separately from written reports.

Do not delay medical assessment while resolving referral paperwork if you develop sudden severe testicular pain, rapidly increasing swelling, significant injury, fever with scrotal redness, vomiting or feel acutely unwell. These features can require urgent evaluation for causes other than cancer as well. A new lump, persistent swelling or a change in a testicle warrants a prompt clinical appointment even when it is not painful.

Ask what the operation is intended to achieve, whether further tests are needed, which type of orchidectomy is proposed and what tissue will be examined afterward. Discuss anaesthesia, recovery, effects on fertility or hormone levels, options for sperm banking when relevant, the possibility of a testicular prosthesis, and whom to contact if symptoms change before surgery.